97 Camry front end noise: cvs? bearing? struts?

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- Frog
  
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posted
20 years ago

Wed, Jun 25, 2003 12:21 AM

My 1997 Camry LE 4-cyl auto with 90,000 miles has started making a faint noise in the front left hand side. The noise started at around

70K (at around the time I changed from the original Bridgestone types to Michelins) and is slowly getting worse.

The noise is of a GRRR-GRRR-GRRR type, and is most easily heard when doing over 70mph on a smooth road. Noise is not noticeable at low speeds or on rough tarmac. It could be described as a hum, or a faint grinding sound, but it has the slight lilt to it, as described. Not a RRRRRRRRRRR sound, but a definite periodicity to it, as in GRRR-GRRR-GRRR. I took the mechanic for a drive when it first started up about a year ago, and he said he couldn't hear it, or that maybe it was the tires, but now even my wife can hear it in the passenger seat.

The noise continues unchanged when I shift the car into neutral while travelling at speed, which eliminates the drivetrain, I guess. The noise slows as the vehicle slows.

I suspect a bearing problem, but I'd be interested to hear the experts comments on what this might be.

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- badgolferman
  
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posted
20 years ago

Sat, Jun 28, 2003 4:16 AM

I could see cupping making noises like that.

Hmmmm. What would you say to me if I told you this story?

Perhaps the tires cupped from hard braking, bad alignment, poor balance, or combination thereof.

My 1997 is sprung loosely in the rear also. I believe it is the design.

Yes. They would like your money just as much as the buddy across the street.

I believe the TSB is for the strut housings. Some rubber bushing that dries out and makes noise. It will cost less to have that fixed.

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- ROBMURR
  
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posted
20 years ago

Sat, Jun 28, 2003 11:41 AM

$10K and still I get the noise.

Tires should be rotated about every 5,000 not 10,000 for best life.

No idea how many miles your old ones had on them, tell us. The ones on there are ruined so you gotta replace them. Get a 4 wheel alignment from the same shop you get the tires from so there can be no finger pointing if they cup again.

I have 165,000 on my 97 Camry original struts. Some tires do cup especially Dunlops on their own!

Problem is not with the struts but the strut towers bushing.